Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (Beta Channel)

Hello Windows Insiders, today marks the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (KB5060816) to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes a variety of changes, new features, improvements, and fixes that are being gradually rolled out to those who have opted in to receive the latest updates via Settings > Windows Update. For further details, please refer to the Reminders section at the conclusion of this update.

New Copilot+ PC Experiences

Recall Export Experience for Windows Insiders in the EEA

Windows Insiders located in the European Economic Area can now export their Recall snapshots for sharing with third-party applications and websites. Upon first opening Recall and opting to save snapshots, users will receive a unique Recall export code, essential for future exports. This export process is fortified by stringent security measures, ensuring that all snapshots are encrypted and require Windows Hello authentication for access. Users are advised to safeguard their export code, as Microsoft does not retain access to it and cannot assist in its recovery if lost.

If the export code is lost or compromised, users should reset Recall, which will erase all snapshots and settings, generating a new code upon reactivation. Exports can be initiated at any time through Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots > Advanced Settings, requiring Windows Hello authentication. There are two export options available:

• Export past snapshots: A single export of all Recall snapshots from the last 7 days, 30 days, or all available snapshots.
• Export snapshots from now on: Initiates a continuous export of snapshots from the moment this setting is enabled until it is disabled or Recall is reset.

For additional guidance on exporting snapshots from Recall, please refer to the Export Recall snapshots documentation.

New Features Gradually Being Rolled Out to the Beta Channel

Enhanced Clock Feature in Notification Center

We are pleased to announce the introduction of a highly requested feature from Windows 10: the option to display a larger clock with seconds in the notification center. To activate this feature, navigate to Settings > Time & language > Date & time and toggle on the Show time in the Notification Center option.

Changes and Improvements Gradually Being Rolled Out

[Recall (Preview)]

Recent updates for Recall on Copilot+ PCs include:

• The introduction of a reset option for Recall, allowing users to delete all snapshots and reset settings via the advanced settings page located under Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots.
• For new Copilot+ PCs, the default maximum storage duration for Recall snapshots has been adjusted from unlimited to 90 days, a setting users can modify at any time.
• Teaching tips for Recall features are now available, providing guidance and information to enhance the user experience.

[Click to Do (Preview)]

New actions are being introduced in Click to Do:

• Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot: Users can now send text or images to Microsoft 365 Copilot for assistance with queries, requiring a Microsoft 365 license and adherence to organizational privacy policies.
• Send a message with Teams or Schedule a meeting with Teams: Users can now easily connect with colleagues through Microsoft Teams directly from recognized email addresses, facilitating communication and collaboration.

[File Explorer]

• Top-level icons in the File Explorer context menu now feature dividers for enhanced organization.

[Voice Access]

• Support for voice access has been expanded to include Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, allowing users to navigate and interact with Windows using voice commands.

[Windows Share]

• When sharing a OneDrive cloud file, new options for sharing links through other applications will be available, enhancing the sharing experience for users not located in the EEA.

[Settings]

• The search box in Settings has been repositioned to the top center for a more streamlined experience.
• Windows activation and expiration dialogs have been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals, now appearing as notification toasts.

Fixes Gradually Being Rolled Out

[Recall (Preview)]

• A fix has been implemented to address crashes experienced by some Insiders in previous builds.

[File Explorer]

• Resolved an issue where folders opened from outside of File Explorer would not focus correctly.
• Fixed a memory leak affecting performance when navigating through folders.
• Improvements have been made to enhance the performance of extracting archive files.

[Start Menu]

• Fixed display issues in the Start menu for users with Arabic or Hebrew display languages.
• Resolved context menu functionality issues for pinned apps in the Start menu.

[Settings]

• Addressed issues causing the Settings navigation pane to display in English instead of the user’s preferred language.

[Other]

• Fixed font display issues in certain app menu items and typing inconsistencies in Word.
• Resolved performance issues when running scripts on older Windows Server versions.

Known Issues

[General]

• Post-PC reset, the build version may incorrectly display as Build 26100. Future updates will rectify this.
• The reset option under Settings > System > Recovery is currently non-functional in this build.
• Some users may encounter rollback issues during installation with a 0x80070005 error; a fix is underway.

[Start Menu]

• Touch navigation may not function reliably in the new Start menu, particularly with swipe gestures.
• Drag and drop capabilities are limited, and duplicate entries may appear in folders.

[Xbox Controllers]

• Some users are experiencing bugchecks when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth; a workaround is provided in the update.

[Recall (Preview)]